It's not always easy to open up and be brutally honest, but I have always lived my life with those two things being super important.
Last Friday was my last day on air at Country 105. To be able to go back to work at one of my favourite stations of all time, on the same show, with some of the best coworkers, was a blast! Having the listeners remember me and welcome me back meant the world. I had a one-year contract to cover for the legendary Roger Rhodes, who was taking care of some personal stuff.
Up until a few weeks ago I wasn't sure if I was sticking around. I never assume a contract will be renewed. I received a call from Corus asking me to stay. Research meetings for the station went great, consultants really liked me on the air, and strongly suggested I stay to be a big part of the station going forward. Ratings were really good, with only a year to gain some traction - the afternoon show were by far the best on the radio station.
Let me just say this, radio is in a tough place. At the end of the day, a potential raise turned into the company not being able to renew anymore contracts, including mine. Money is tight and the mandate is to squeeze wherever they can. I can't say I'm shocked by this; it does make me sad that a once mighty industry is hanging on for dear life. I'm not being replaced at work, it's just one more show that isn't live at the station.
I'm grateful to have lived and worked through the glory days of radio and I pray that they one day come back. For now, the industry is being attacked by streaming services and outdated CRTC rules. The pandemic was not kind to radio and it currently lacks relevancy and top of mind awareness. The plan to battle back isn't easy, but the more local we can make the content, combined with providing the best customer service in the world is a pretty good place to start.
I appreciate you listening. I will never take that for granted.
Mookie
As for what the future holds, I'm open. In the meantime I'm gonna help my son with his junk removal company. His first social media ad below (where the dogs will always be the stars).
You rock man…and will be missed for sure. Wish you all the very best. I remember the good ol days back at a remote at the old Army and Navy. What a blast we had with you.
Dean